Titus 1:8
New International Version
Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.

New Living Translation
Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life.

English Standard Version
but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.

Berean Standard Bible
Instead, he must be hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.

Berean Literal Bible
but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined;

King James Bible
But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

New King James Version
but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled,

New American Standard Bible
but hospitable, loving what is good, self-controlled, righteous, holy, disciplined,

NASB 1995
but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled,

NASB 1977
but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled,

Legacy Standard Bible
but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled,

Amplified Bible
And he must be hospitable [to believers, as well as strangers], a lover of what is good, sensible (upright), fair, devout, self-disciplined [above reproach—whether in public or in private].

Christian Standard Bible
but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled,

American Standard Version
but given to hospitality, a lover of good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled;

Contemporary English Version
Instead, they must be friendly to strangers and enjoy doing good things. They must also be sensible, fair, pure, and self-controlled.

English Revised Version
but given to hospitality, a lover of good, soberminded, just, holy, temperate;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Instead, he must be hospitable, love what is good, use good judgment, be fair and moral, and have self-control.

Good News Translation
He must be hospitable and love what is good. He must be self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.

International Standard Version
Instead, he must be hospitable to strangers, must appreciate what is good, and be sensible, honest, moral, and self-controlled.

Majority Standard Bible
Instead, he must be hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.

NET Bible
Instead he must be hospitable, devoted to what is good, sensible, upright, devout, and self-controlled.

New Heart English Bible
but given to hospitality, as a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined;

Webster's Bible Translation
But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

Weymouth New Testament
but hospitable to strangers, a lover of goodness, sober-minded, upright, saintly, self-controlled;

World English Bible
but given to hospitality, a lover of good, sober minded, fair, holy, self-controlled,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
but a lover of strangers, a lover of [the] good, sober-minded, righteous, holy, self-controlled,

Berean Literal Bible
but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined;

Young's Literal Translation
but a lover of strangers, a lover of good men, sober-minded, righteous, kind, self-controlled,

Smith's Literal Translation
But hospitable, a lover of good, of sound mind, just, holy, holding firm;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But given to hospitality, gentle, sober, just, holy, continent:

Catholic Public Domain Version
but instead: hospitable, kind, sober, just, holy, chaste,

New American Bible
but hospitable, a lover of goodness, temperate, just, holy, and self-controlled,

New Revised Standard Version
but he must be hospitable, a lover of goodness, prudent, upright, devout, and self-controlled.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good things, sober, just, pious, and temperate of worldly desires;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But he should love strangers, love goodness, should be modest, just, holy, and keep himself from lusts.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
but hospitable, a lover of goodness, sober-minded, just, holy, temperate,

Godbey New Testament
but hospitable, loving the good, prudent, righteous, holy, temperate;

Haweis New Testament
but the stranger?s host, the good man?s friend, grave, just, holy, temperate;

Mace New Testament
but a lover of hospitality, humane, prudent, just, holy, temperate;

Weymouth New Testament
but hospitable to strangers, a lover of goodness, sober-minded, upright, saintly, self-controlled;

Worrell New Testament
but hospitable, a lover of good, sober-minded, righteous, pious, temperate;

Worsley New Testament
but hospitable, benevolent, sober, just, holy, temperate;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Appointing Elders on Crete
7As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-absorbed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money. 8Instead, he must be hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9He must hold firmly to the faithful word as it was taught, so that he can encourage others by sound teaching and refute those who contradict it.…

Cross References
1 Timothy 3:2-3
An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, / not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money.

1 Peter 5:2-3
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; / not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

1 Timothy 6:11
But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.

2 Timothy 2:24
And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing.

Romans 12:13
Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.

1 Thessalonians 5:14
And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.

Colossians 3:12-13
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. / Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.

Hebrews 13:2
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

Ephesians 4:2
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

James 3:17
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.

Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Proverbs 31:20
She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.

Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”


Treasury of Scripture

But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

a lover of hospitality.

1 Timothy 3:2
A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

a lover of good.

1 Samuel 18:1
And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.

1 Kings 5:1,7
And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father: for Hiram was ever a lover of David…

Psalm 16:3
But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.

men.

Titus 2:7
In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

2 Corinthians 6:4-8
But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, …

1 Thessalonians 2:10
Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:

Jump to Previous
Devout Discreet Fair Freely Good Goodness Guests Holy Hospitable Hospitality House Kind Lover Master Minded Opening Pious Rather Righteous Saintly Self-Controlled Sensible Sober Sober-Minded Strangers Temperate Upright
Jump to Next
Devout Discreet Fair Freely Good Goodness Guests Holy Hospitable Hospitality House Kind Lover Master Minded Opening Pious Rather Righteous Saintly Self-Controlled Sensible Sober Sober-Minded Strangers Temperate Upright
Titus 1
1. Paul greets Titus, who was left to finish the work in Crete.
6. How those chosen as ministers ought to be qualified.
11. The mouths of evil teachers to be stopped;
12. and what manner of men they be.














but hospitable
The Greek word for "hospitable" is "philoxenos," which literally means "lover of strangers." In the ancient world, hospitality was a crucial virtue, especially in the early Christian community, where believers often traveled and relied on the kindness of fellow Christians. This word emphasizes the importance of opening one's home and heart to others, reflecting God's welcoming nature. Hospitality is not merely about entertaining guests but about creating a space where others feel valued and loved.

a lover of good
The phrase "lover of good" comes from the Greek "philagathos," which combines "philos" (love) and "agathos" (good). This term suggests an intrinsic appreciation and pursuit of what is morally and ethically good. In a world where values can be subjective, this phrase calls Christians to align their love with God's standards of goodness, seeking out and promoting what is beneficial and righteous in all aspects of life.

self-controlled
The Greek word "sophron" is translated as "self-controlled," indicating a person who is sober-minded and exercises restraint over their desires and impulses. This quality is essential for leaders, as it reflects a life governed by wisdom and discernment rather than by fleeting emotions or passions. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23) and is vital for maintaining personal integrity and effective leadership.

upright
"Upright" is translated from the Greek "dikaios," which means just or righteous. This term implies living in accordance with God's laws and being fair and honest in dealings with others. An upright person is one who embodies justice and fairness, reflecting God's own righteousness. This quality is crucial for leaders who are called to be examples of moral integrity and fairness.

holy
The word "holy" comes from the Greek "hosios," which denotes piety and devotion to God. Holiness involves being set apart for God's purposes, living a life that is distinct from worldly values. It is a call to purity and dedication, reflecting God's own holiness. Leaders are to be models of spiritual devotion, demonstrating a life committed to God's will and purposes.

and disciplined
The Greek word "egkrates" is used here, meaning having power over oneself or being self-disciplined. This quality involves the ability to control one's actions and desires, ensuring that they align with God's will. Discipline is essential for spiritual growth and effective ministry, as it enables leaders to remain focused and steadfast in their calling, avoiding distractions and temptations that could lead them astray.

(8) But a lover of hospitality.--It has been suggested that this hospitality would be especially shown in the early centuries of Christianity, when Christians travelling from one place to another were received kindly and forwarded on their journey by their brethren; but the direction of St. Paul has that broader signification, so beautifully worded in the Epistle to the Hebrews, where we are told not to be forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares (Hebrews 13:2).

A lover of good men.--Although this rendering is possible, still it is better to understand the Greek word here as alluding to a virtue differing from the "hospitality" just mentioned. "A lover of good" or benevolence generally; the appellation points here to that large heart which finds room for sympathy with all that is good and noble and generous.

Sober.--Better rendered, self-restrained. In this expressive word (sophrona) mastery of self is especially implied--that self-command which wisely regulates pleasures and passions.

Just.--Or, righteous. The man who is just (dikaios) is one who tries strictly to perform his duties towards men--the duties which integrity and justice seem imperatively to ask from him in his relations with his neighbour.

Holy.--The man who is holy studies to be true and faithful in his relations to God, which duties with us largely consist in keeping pure our bodies, the temple of the Holy Spirit. While the "just" man struggles after uprightness before men, the "holy" man aims at a holy purity before God.

Temperate.--This virtue is not to be understood in the usual and more limited sense which has been already specified in "not given to wine" of the preceding verse, but signifies the being temperate--moderate in all things. The model presbyter, the ruler of a congregation of Christians, not only must be able to control his tongue, his eyes, his hands, but must show a just and wise moderation even in pressing things which of themselves are excellent. To do his Master's work efficiently, he must be able at all times to command himself--to perform that most difficult of all tasks, the tempering zeal with discretion.

Verse 8. - Given to for a lover of, A.V.; good for good men, A.V.; sober-minded for sober, A.V. Given to hospitality (φιλόξενον); 1 Timothy 3:2, note. A lover of good (φιλάγαθον) see 2 Timothy 3:3, note on ἀφιλάγαθον. Only here in the New Testament, and only once in the LXX., Wisd. 7:22, where it seems to mean "a lover of that which is good," and where the long string of adjectives is very similar to that here; found occasionally in classical Greek. Sober-minded (σώφρονα); see Titus 2:2, 5, and 1 Timothy 3:2, note. The rendering "discreet" in Titus 2:5 (A.V.) expresses the meaning very well. Just, holy. Δίκαιος is usually considered as describing that side of a good man's character which is in relation to his fellow-men, and ὅσιος that side which has respect to God. Joseph was δίκαιος (Matthew 1:19) in his conduct towards Mary; the Lord Jesus was God's Holy One (τὸν ὅσιόν σου). In classical Greek the words are more commonly applied to things. Ὅσια καὶ δίκαια are things sanctioned by Divine and human laws respectively. Temperate (ἐγκρατῆ); only here in the New Testament, and never in this sense in the LXX.; but it has exactly the same meaning in Aristotle, viz. "master of one's self," having the appetites under control.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Instead,
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

[he must be] hospitable,
φιλόξενον (philoxenon)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5382: Hospitable, loving strangers. From philos and xenos; fond of guests, i.e. Hospitable.

a lover of good,
φιλάγαθον (philagathon)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5358: Loving what is good. From philos and agathos; fond to good, i.e. A promoter of virtue.

self-controlled,
σώφρονα (sōphrona)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4998: From the base of sozo and that of phren; safe in mind, i.e. Self-controlled.

upright,
δίκαιον (dikaion)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1342: From dike; equitable; by implication, innocent, holy.

holy,
ὅσιον (hosion)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3741: Holy, pious, godly, beloved of God. Of uncertain affinity; properly, right, i.e. Hallowed.

[and] disciplined.
ἐγκρατῆ (enkratē)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1468: Self-controlled. From en and kratos; strong in a thing, i.e. self-controlled.


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NT Letters: Titus 1:8 But given to hospitality as a lover (Ti. Tt.)
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